WAFCON 2026: South Africa Face Tanzania In Group B Opener | Townpress Newspaper
Defending 2022 champions Banyana Banyana begin their quest to reclaim the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) crown when they take on Tanzania in their Group B opener at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in. . .
Defending 2022 champions Banyana Banyana begin their quest to reclaim the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) crown when they take on Tanzania in their Group B opener at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco, on Monday. Kick-off is scheduled for 18:00 local time (19:00 SAST) as South Africa looks to make a strong start in a tournament where a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup is also at stake. Banyana Eye Winning StartDesiree Ellis’ side heads into the tournament among the favourites after lifting the WAFCON title in 2022 before finishing fourth at the previous edition following a semi-final defeat to eventual champions Nigeria. Banyana will be aiming to hit the ground running, with tougher Group B fixtures against Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso still to come. South Africa’s preparations have been mixed. Ellis’ side suffered a heavy defeat to Japan in the first of two international friendlies before bouncing back with an impressive 1-0 victory in the second meeting. Squad Ready For ChallengeEllis has once again placed her faith in a largely locally based squad, supplemented by a handful of overseas based players. The return of star forward Thembi Kgatlana, who missed the previous WAFCON, provides a significant boost to South Africa’s attack, while Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado is back after recovering from the injury that ruled her out of the last tournament. Captain Refiloe Jane will also be a key figure after recently making her 150th appearance for Banyana Banyana. Tanzania Seeking Historic BreakthroughTanzania enter the tournament hoping to reach the knockout stages for the first time in their history. The Twiga Stars are making their third WAFCON appearance and have yet to win a match at the finals, recording one draw and five defeats in their previous six games. However, South Africa will be wary of their opponents after the sides played out a 1-1 draw during the 2024 edition in Morocco, with Tanzania earning their first ever point at the tournament. Historically, Banyana have the edge, winning one and drawing one of their two previous WAFCON meetings with Tanzania. Strong Tournament RecordSouth Africa boasts one of the strongest records in WAFCON history. Banyana have qualified for every tournament since 1998 and, alongside Nigeria, are one of only two nations to have appeared in all 14 editions. They have progressed beyond the group stage in each of their last nine appearances and are unbeaten in their last 10 group-stage matches. Under Ellis, South Africa have also never lost an opening WAFCON fixture, recording three victories and one draw across her previous four tournaments in charge. Predicted Starting XIsSouth Africa:Kaylin Swart; Fikile Magama, Bambanani Mbane, Karabo Dhlamini, Antonia Maponya; Linda Motlhalo, Refiloe Jane, Bongeka Gamede; Noxolo Cesane, Thembi Kgatlana, Nthabiseng Majiya. Tanzania:Najiat Abbas; Julieth Singano, Vaileth Nicholaus, Ester Maseke, Anastazia Katunzi; Enekia Lunyamila, Fatuma Issa, Stumai Abdallah, Donisia Minja; Opah Clement, Aisha Mnunka. With three points the immediate objective and World Cup qualification the ultimate goal, Banyana Banyana will be eager to begin their WAFCON 2026 campaign on a winning note. Can South Africa take the first step towards another continental title?